Folding scaffold



June l, 1965 H. M. JoHNsoN FOLDING SCAFFOLD Filed Jan. l5, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l June l, 1965 H. M. JOHNSON FOLDING SCAFFOLD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 15, 1962 i? IIg 1-i'1 United States Patent O 3,186,512 FGLDING SCAFFLD Herbert Ml. Johnson, 42 Hawthorne Drive, St. Genevieve, Quebec, Canada Filed lan. 1S, 1962, Ser. No. 166,258 Claims priority, application Canada, Jan. 17, i961, 814,982, Patent 652,828 3 Claims. (Cl. 182-152) This invention relates to scaifolds.

More particularly, this invention relates to a type of scaffold which is generally made up of only one or two mobile units, each unit foldable to a collapsed compact form suitable for ready handling, transportation and storage.

, The applicant provides a collapsible scaffold unit wherein all the parts except the platform elements are joined or connected by pivoted connections in such a way that each element remains a part of the scaffold unit whether the unit is in set-up condition or collapsed. The applicant has provided a scaffold unit which can be readily set-up, dismantled, moved, transported and stored by a single person. The applicant has further provided a scaffold unit which can be hingedly connected to a second similar scaffold unit to form a scaffold of double length and, consecutively, one of the scaffold units can be swung, upside-down, above the other scaffold unit providing a scaffold `of double height.

A preferred mobile scaffold unit ofthe invention comprises a scaffold lframe section supported by a wheeled carriage. The scaffold frame section comprises two upright end frames with at 4least one X-brace between the end frames to hold them rigid. The carriage comprises a horizontal base frame having la castor at each corner and a pedestal projecting upward from each end. The pedestals support the scaffold frame section at a level displaced from the horizontal plane of the base frame. In the setup state, each pedestal directly supports one of the end frames of the scaffold frame section. One of the end frames is pivotally attached to its pedestal. The other end frame is disconnectably attached to its pedestal.

At least one X-brace is disposed between the end `frames.

The X-brace is composed of two cross bars pivotally attached at their mid points. The lower end of each cross bar is pivotally attached to a lower part of an end frame while the upper end of each cross bar is disconnectably connected to the upper part of an opposite end frame. Preferably there are two X-frames, one at each side of the scaffold unit. By disconnecting the disconnectably attached parts of the scaffold and moving one end frame against the other end frame and then rotating the folded scaffold frame section against the base frame, the scaffold can be collapsed into a compact readily storable unit.

The scaffold frame section is readily detachable from its carriage, and the ends of the upright end frames are adapted so that the scaffold frame sections can be stacked one on top of another to provide a scaffold of the desired height.

Two mobile scaffold units of the invention can be joined back-to-back by hinge elements attached to the upper ends of the back end frames. Connected together -by the hinge elements, one scaffold unit can then he conveniently swung up on top of the other scaffold unit in upside-down position, the front -end frames being joined together by cooperating fastening means. The second section can be swung up with or without its carriage. A scaffold-of more than two sections can be erected by removing the carriage from the second section before mounting the third section.

ddhl Patented June l, i965 "ice A detailed description of the specific embodiment of the invention will now be set forth with particular reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE l is a side-elevation View of the folding scaffold of the invention in set-up condition.

FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the 4folding scaffold of the invention in set-up condition, with the platform in phantom line.

FIGURE 3 is -a broken front end elevation.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary rear end elevation along the line 4 4 of FIGURE l.

FIGURE 5 is a longitudinal cross-section along the line 5 5 of FIGURE 4, showing the detail of the pivotal attachment between the back end frame and its pedestal.

FIGURE 6 is a transverse cross-section along the lline 6 6 of FIGURE l, showing the detail of the disconnectable connecting means between the front end frame and its pedestal.

FIGURE 7 is a longitudinal cross-section along the line '7 7 of FIGURE 6 showing in detail the disconnectable connecting means shown in FIGURE 6 and in particular the locking means for the disconnectable connecting means.

FIGURE 8 is a transverse cross-section along the line 3 3 of FIGURE l, showing the disconnectable connecting means between the upper part of one of the cross bars and the upper part of the end frame.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary and broken plan view of the top of the back end frame showing the hinge connecting elements in detail.

FIGURE l() is a plan view of a platform useful in the invention.

FIGURE ll is a broken longitudinal cross-section of the platform along the line H ll of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is a line drawing showing the scaffold of the invention partly folded.

FIGURE 13 is a side elevation of the scaffold of the invention showing it completely folded.

FGURE 14 is a line drawing in side elevation showing two units hinged together to form a scaffold of double length or double height.

The specific embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings is made up of a carriage A, a scaffold frame section B, and a platform C.

The carriage A comprises a horizontal base frame having castors at each of its four corners. The horizontal base frame comprises a pair of parallel side members l, separated by a pair of parallel end members 3. The end member 3 located at the front end of the carriage is spaced from the ends of the side members l, while the other end member is located at the other end of side member l. A crossbar 4l is located on the horizontal base frame intermediate the end members 3. Thiscrossbar 4l supports the scaffold frame section in collapsed condition.

A pedestal extends upwards from the horizontal base frame along each of the end members 3, the pedestal at the front end of the carriage comprises two uprights 5. The pedestal along the back end member 3 comprises two upiights '7 headed by a tubular member 9. The width of the front pedestal is the same width as the scaffold frame section, while the back pedestal is somewhat wider than the scaffold frame section.

.The front end frame of the scaffold frame section comprises two upright end frame members Il, separated by transverse frame members f3. The lower ends of the upright frame members ll abut the ends of the uprights 5 or' the pedestal and are secured by means of pins 29. The back end frame comprises a pair of parallel upright end frame members l5 separated by more of the transverse frame members 13. The back end frame is pivoted to its pedestal around the tubular head element 9 of the pedestal. The tubular head element 9 is peened at `one end and cotter pinned at the other to permit complete'separation of the scaiiold frame section from the carriage.

The two end frames of the scaffold frame section are connected, and can be held rigid, and upright by an X- brace which comprises two cross bar elements i7 pivotally adjoined at the mid point l?. The leg of each cross brace is pivotally mounted in brackets 21 attached adja* cent the lower ends -of the end frame members l on one side of the scaffold unit. The top ends of each cross brace are disconnectably connectable to brackets 23 attached adjacent the upper ends of the opposite end frame members.

VOn all the disconnectable connections between partsV of the scaiTolds of the invention, the parts are locked together by means of a l-bolt, which is clearly shown in FIGURES 7 and S. This J-bolt comprises a I-shaped member 25 having the long leg threaded to receive a win nutt27. The long side of this item is threaded permanently through holes in one part of the disconnectable connection, while the small end is inserted in a hole in the cooperating member ofthe connecting means and locked into place by the tightening of the wing nut.`

In the connections between the upper ends of the cross bars 17 and the upper ends of the Verticle frame members il, 15, as shown in FIGURE 8 the long leg of the J-bolt 25 passes throughran opening in the end framey member l1 (or 15). The bracket 23 attachedto the end frame member has an opening parallel tothe end Vframe member opening which receives the short leg-of the I-bolt. The Vupper of the cross bar 17 has a hole which registers with the hole in the bracket 23. cross har is connected to the vertical end frameV member by passing the short ieg of the l-bolt through the hole in crossbar 17 before tightening the wing nut 27 to lock it in the hole in bracket 23.

. section material.

followingmanner as shown infthe sequence of FIGURES l, l2 andrl3 of the drawings. 7

(a) The platform is removed from the scaffold.

(b) The J-bolts are loosened at cachot the disconnectable connections.

(c) The frontend frame is lifted free of its pedestal member and the front end .frame ,is ybrought together together against the back end frame, the X-brace closing scissors-like.

Y (d) The collapsed structure is then rotated about the header 'of the 4back end pedestal to a horizontal position supported by the cross member 41 on the carriage.

The scaffoldis preferably-made of light material such as aluminum to increase theease of handling. The particular embodiment shown is made largely ofl tubular stock having a square cross section, however,stock having round cross` section can also be used in the invention. The applicants, however, found that the scatold can be more conveniently made'rwith-the square cross @ne element'in this particular embodiment of the invention, the header Velement of the rear pedestal is ofnecessity madey of ,tubuiar'stock of round cross section to form a pivotingconnection between the pedestal and the end frame. The X-brace members are conveniently made of'bar stock having a U-cross section.

providing the greatest rigidity for the least Weight.V The long X-brace members are suiiciently ilexible so that in the front pedestal members.

The

In the connections between the front end frame and its pedestaLasshown in FIGURE 7, the long leg of the I I-bolt 25 passes through Vboth the end frame memberl l1 andthe pin insert 29 to retain the pin insert with one of the elements of theconnection when the disconnectaole connection is broken. Each of the ends of the vertical end frame members i5, l1 is adapted to form Y endsiof the end frame members l5 of the hack end frame.

Hinge elements 33 complements hinge element 31 whereby twoexactly similar scaffold units can be joined back to back by the hinge elements. One unit can then be swung upsidedown on top of another unit as shown in .Y

FIGURE 14, the second scaffold frame section'may be with or without its carriage, however, to add more sections to. the first two, it is necessary to remove the carriage kfrom Aeach section except the base section;

The platformvC of the .scaifold comprisesy a rectangu-V v lar sheet 35 with bracket-like elements 37 fastened to its underside adjacent the ends, these bracket-like ele'- ments engage the transverse members 13 of the end frames to retain the 'platform at the desired level. The platform E may also have hand holes 39 through the rectangular sheet 3l for convenient handling of the platform.

Of course, it is not necessary to use the platform E with the scaffold of the invention as heavy wood boards or planks are suitable for use also. However, when ap-k propriate brackets are used on the platform to engage the transverse frame members of the end framesV and rigidly hold them, the platform of the invention is par.- ticularly desirable since for low level scaiiolds the cross I claim: Y Y? Y 1. A folding scaffold unit comprising in combination, a horizontal base frame including a pair of parallel side frame members, a first end frame member extending between one end of said side frame members and a second end frame Vmember extending between said Vside frame members spaced from the other end thereof, Va'iirst pedestal extending upward'from the base frame `along the rst end frame member, and-a second pedestal extending upward from said base frame along the second end framernemher, the first pedestal comprising twouprights each located at the junction of the side frame members with the rst end frame member, the second pedestal comprising ltwo uprights each located. at the junction of the side frame memhers'with the second end frame .member and a cross frame member extending between the respective uprights of said secondV pedestal, spaced apart vertical frame members pivotally` engaging said cross .frame member and extending upwardly therefrom, la cross brace member of a irst pair pivoted to the lower end of, each of Said first pair of vertical frame members, a cross bracemember of a second` pair each extending transversely to one of said first pair and pivoted thereto at` an intermediate point, each of said second pair of cross rbraces being disconnectf ably connected toene ofsaid iirstvertical frame members adjacent the top `and pivotally connected to one of a second pair of vertical frameV members ,adjacentA the bottom, the bottom end of .each of the second vertical frame members being .disconnectably connected to said second pedestal, each ofthe first pair of ycross brace members being disconnectably connected ,to one ofY said second pair of vertical frame members' adjacent the top vertical upright frame members of the end frame pivotally connected to theV rst pedestal has at its upper end hinge elements capable of connecting wit-h' cooperating hinge elements'on a like scaffold unit whereby one scaifold unit braces can be done away with on one side of the structure.

The scaiold structure is collapsed and folded .in the may be swung upside-down on top of another scaffold unit.

(References on foilowing page) References Cited bythe Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Bodette 182-63 Clark 287--108 Schuette 287-108 Oertle 189-15.5 Bothe 287-54 Bobst 182-118 Sheard 182-152 6 2,811,395 10/57 Iagiel 189-15.5 2,857,992 10/58 Terrell 189-11 2,917,129 12/59 Grover 182-152 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,133,632 11/56 France.

HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

G. LEO BREHM, Examiner. 

1. A FOLDING SCAFFOLD UNIT COMPRISING IN COMBINATION, A HORIZONTAL BASE FRAME INCLUDING A PAIR OF PARALLEL SIDE FRAME MEMEBRS, A FIRST END FRAME MEMBER EXTENDING BETWEEN ONE END OF SAID SIDE FRAME MEMBERS AND A SECOND END FRAME MEMBER EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID SIDE FRAME MEMBER SPACED FROM THE OTHER END THEREOF, A FIRST PEDESTAL EXTENDING UPWARD FROM THE BASE FRAME ALONG THE FIRST END FRAME MEMBER, AND A SECOND PEDESTAL EXTENDING UPWARD FROM SAID BASE FRAME ALONG THE SECOND END FRAME MEMBER, THE FIRST PEDESTAL COMPRISING TWO UPRIGHTS EACH LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF THE SIDE FRAME MEMBERS WITH THE FIRST END FRAME MEMBER, THE SCOND PEDESTAL COMPRISING TWO UPRIGHTS EACH LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF THE SIDE FRAME MEMBERS WITH THE SECOND END FRAME MEMEBR AND A CROSS FRAME MEMBER EXTENDING BETWEEN THE RESPECTIVE UPRIGHTS OF SAID SECOND PEDESTAL, SPACED APART VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS PIVOTALLY ENGAGING THE CROSS FRAME MEMBER AND EXTENDING UPWARDLY THEREFROM, A CROSS BRACE MEMBER OF A FIRST PAIR PIVOTED TO THE LOWER END OF EACH OF SAID FIRST PAIR OF VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS, A CROSS BRACE MEMBER OF A SECOND PAIR OF EACH EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY TO ONE OF SAID FIRST PAIR AND PIVOTED THERETO AT AN INTERMEDIATE POINT, EACH OF SAID SECOND PAIR OF CROSS BRACES BEING DISCONNECTABLY CONNECTED TO ONE OF SAID FIRST VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS ADJACENT THE TOP AND PIVOTALLY CONNECTED TO ONE OF A SECOND PAIR OF VERTICAL FRAME MEMEBRS ADJACENT THE BOTTOM, THE BOTTOM END OF EACH OF THE SECOND VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS BEING DISCONNETABLY CONNECTED TO SAID SECOND PEDESTAL, EACH OF THE FIRST PAIR OF CROSS BRACE MEMBERS BEING DISCONNECTABLY CONNECTED TO ONE OF SAID SECOND PAIR OF VERTICAL FRAME MEMBERS ADJACENT THE TOP THEREOF. 